Thousands could be employed in health sciences industry (con't)

Those collaborating on the venture, who have already met several times as groups to map out strategies that would extend from southwestern Ontario (including London and Hamilton) to Ann Arbor, Mich., believe as many as 2000 direct and indirect jobs could be created here over the next eight years.

Other positive factors (in Canada and the US) are eight renowned life sciences research universities, cutting edge cancer research using natural products at University of Windsor, lower regulatory barriers for clinical trials, higher physician practice volumes in Canada than stateside, and proximity to a large and diverse population – ideal for clinical trials.

The first meeting to establish the network took place two years ago with WEtech, the Windsor Essex Economic Development Corp., the area’s two post-secondary institutions and area hospitals.

Last year a “Hacking Health” event took place at Detroit’s TechTown with 200 participants designing software and heath care apps.

Another one takes place next month in Windsor.

The sessions “reduce the barriers between health care providers and hi-tech people,” Livneh, herself a co-founder of a medical technology company and plant manager of medical equipment firm Gyrus-ACMI Canada.

A memorandum of understanding has also been signed between WEtech and Toronto-based MaRS network, which puts together entrepreneurs in the life sciences field with venture capitalists, all the while encouraging innovative research.

Livneh said bioscience is expanding on all fronts with breakthrough technologies used in hospitals and increasingly for people taking control of their own health through portable test equipment and computer apps.

“There are a lot of changes taking pace,” she said.

“So there are a lot of opportunities for innovation.”

WindsorOnbtrarioNews.com

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